Trinidad James Lands Def Jam Deal

Woo! Atlanta rap sensation Trinidad James is really making this rap thing look easy. The Molly-popping rap novice, who has only been rapping for 11 months, has landed an exclusive deal with Def Jam Records.

After rumors were circulating yesterday that James had inked a contract for $2 million, the rapper and legendary hip hop label confirmed the deal today in a press release. Though terms of the deal were not disclosed, Joie Manda, President of Def Jam praised the signing of the 25-year-old talent.

"We're excited to welcome a young talent like Trinidad James to the Def Jam family," said Joie Manda. "Def Jam prides itself as both a cornerstone of hip-hop's rich tradition, and as a vital, forward-thinking label dedicated to breaking and nurturing emerging artists. Trinidad James represents the cutting-edge of what's happening in the culture today. We are thrilled to have him at the label, and look forward to growing his already massive buzz."

James broke out on the rap scene in a big way this fall with his ubiquitous hit "All Gold Everything," featured on his debut mixtape, Don’t Be S.A.F.E. The ensuing music video was a viral success (3.1 million views on YouTube) as it featured James' loud fashion sense and original country-chic persona.

After a recent performance in New York, the bidding for James' talents ramped up as reps for many of the major labels, including Def Jam, Atlantic and Epic Records, were in attendance at the sold out show.